[10/23/06 - 12:30 PM]2006 American Music Awards Asks the Public to Choose Their Favorite Artist of the Year for the Third Annual T-Mobile Text-In Award Vying for the T-Mobile Text-In Award are Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Daniel Powter, Pussycat Dolls and Rascal Flatts.

[via press release from ABC]

"2006 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS" ASKS THE PUBLIC TO CHOOSE THEIR FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL T-MOBILE TEXT-IN AWARD

Fans Can Vote Via T-Mobile� Text Messaging or at ama.abc.com

The "2006 American Music Awards" is asking the public to cast their votes for the T-Mobile Text-In Award, which will determine the fans' favorite from a list of top artists from various musical genres. The award will be revealed during the live telecast of the special, which airs TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The nominees were chosen from different genres of music and were the top names in each category based on sales and airplay from January-September, 2006 in the United States. Those vying for the T-Mobile Text-In Award are:

* BEYONCE

* MARY J. BLIGE

* DANIEL POWTER

* PUSSYCAT DOLLS

* RASCAL FLATTS

Beginning October 23, 2006, fans can cast their vote for the T-Mobile Text-In Award. T-Mobile USA subscribers can send a text message using their T-Mobile phones by sending the letter corresponding to their favorite artist ("A" for Beyonce, "B" for Mary J. Blige, "C" for Daniel Powter, "D" for Pussycat Dolls, "E" for Rascal Flatts) to short code "AMA" (262). Standard text messaging charges apply for text messaging an entry. In addition, votes can also be cast via the Internet at ama.abc.com. Voting via text message and on ABC.com is now open and will conclude at approximately 9:30 p.m., ET, during the show on November 21.

On the "2006 American Music Awards," which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, 20 awards will be given out representing the best of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip Hop, Latin, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational music. Winners will be announced from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, during the live, star-studded show, featuring celebrity presenters and live performances, as determined by a poll of the American record-buying public.

The executive producer of the "2006 American Music Awards" is Allen Shapiro. Producer of the television special is Larry Klein, with Louis J. Horvitz directing. Writers will be Barry Adelman and Fred Bronson. Executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo. The associate producer is Don Harary. John Shaffner and Joe Stewart are the production designers. The talent executive is Carla Patterson. The executive in charge is Fran La Maina.

For a complete list of nominees, please visit www.abc.com. To request media credentials to cover this event, please visit http://www.dickclarkproductions.com/ama/ and complete the credential application.

About T-Mobile

Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is a member of the T-Mobile International group, one of the world's leading companies in mobile communications, and the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG. At the end of June 2006, more than 90 million mobile customers were served by companies of the Deutsche Telekom group - 23.3 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM, the world's most successful digital wireless standard. T-Mobile's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect effortlessly to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile highest, in numerous regions throughout the U.S., in wireless call quality and wireless customer care. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.t-mobile.com. T-Mobile(r) is a federally registered trademark, and the magenta color is a trademark, of Deutsche Telekom AG.